Yesterday, the United States celebrated 250 years as a nation.  I’m thankful for the principles upon which our country was founded that allow us to gather in religious freedom. I’m thankful for our Baptist tradition, which has placed a stake in the ground for religious liberty. 

I’m grateful to live in America, Texas, Hopkins County, and Sulphur Springs.  I echo the words of the Psalmist, “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance” (Psalm 16:6).

As we survey our current day, we see the beauty and blemishes of the USA.  We celebrate liberty, generosity, sacrifice, and the countless ways God has shown kindness to our country. At the same time, we grieve political incompetency, sexual confusion, and moral decay. We have much to celebrate, and much for which to repent. We rightly desire better. 

Yet, the desire for a better America—and even to become better Americans—is a goal far too small. The Apostle Paul reminds us that as Christians “our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20).  Our Lord Jesus teaches us to pray to our Heavenly Father, “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10). 

We should aim to be faithful followers of Jesus and faithful citizens of heaven.  We should aim to preach the gospel, live the gospel, and labor in kingdom work.  As a byproduct of that aim, we’ll see a better America and become better Americans. 

America is worthy of celebration, but I remind you of the truth of the old hymn, “This is my Father’s world.”   The World Cup in our own backyard has allowed us to witness people from across the globe united around a love for the game of soccer.  It has whetted my appetite, deepened my longing, strengthened my hope for the day when people from every tongue and tribe will be united in their love for King Jesus (Revelation 7:9). 

Lord, haste the day.